Patents by Inventor John Floresta
John Floresta has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11787649Abstract: A system and method of determining orientation of a physical location on a cart or end effector located on the cart in an independent cart system receives a feedback signal from a sensor on the cart. A multi-axis device may generate three or more signals corresponding to X, Y, and Z axes orientations. Processing may be performed on the signals to generate a value of yaw, pitch, or roll of the cart. The feedback or processed signals are transmitted from the mover to a remote device external from the track. The real-time orientation information may be used to implement closed-loop control of an actuator mounted on or external to each cart as the cart travels along the track. Power for the devices on the mover may be provided by a battery mounted on the cart or by a wireless power transfer system.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Shankha S. Seal, Jadav Das, Tracy M. Clark, Michaela R. Kaufmann, Dayin Xu, Xikai Sun, John Floresta
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Patent number: 11715977Abstract: A system and method for providing power to independent movers traveling along a track in a motion control system without requiring a fixed connection between the mover and a power source external to the mover. In one embodiment, a sliding transformer transfers power between the track and each mover. In another embodiment, an optical transmitter transfers power between the track and an optical receiver mounted on each mover. In yet another embodiment, a generator includes a drive wheel engaging the track as each mover travels along the track. A power converter on the mover receives the power generated on and/or transmitted to the mover to control an actuator or a sensor mounted on the mover or to activate drive coils mounted on the mover to interact with magnets mounted along the track and, thereby, control motion of each mover.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John Floresta, Peter J. Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwei Yao
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Patent number: 11539244Abstract: An independent cart system includes an inductive link for contactless power transfer between a track and each mover as the mover travels along the track. A system for contactless data transmission between movers and a controller in the independent cart system includes a transmitter and/or receiver mounted on each mover and a complementary receiver and/or transmitter mounted on a track. The transmitter receives data to be transmitted across the inductive link and modulates a voltage present on either the primary or secondary winding to which it is coupled. The modulated voltage present on one winding induces a corresponding modulation on the voltage present on the other winding. A receiver operatively connected to the other side of the inductive link detects the modulated voltage and decodes the data from the modulated voltage received across the inductive link.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2021Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jadav Das, Xikai Sun, Shankha S. Seal, Dayin Xu, Tracy M. Clark, John Floresta
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Publication number: 20220324663Abstract: A system and method of determining orientation of a physical location on a cart or end effector located on the cart in an independent cart. system receives a feedback signal from a sensor on the cart, A multi-axis device may generate three or more signals corresponding to X, Y, and Z axes orientations. Processing may be performed on the signals to generate a value of yaw, pitch, or roll of the cart. The feedback or processed signals are transmitted from the mover to a remote device external from the track. The real-time orientation information may be used to implement closed-loop control of an actuator mounted on or external to each cart as the cart travels along the track, Power for the devices on the mover may be provided by a battery mounted on the cart or by a wireless power transfer system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2021Publication date: October 13, 2022Inventors: Shankha S. Seal, Jadav Das, Tracy M. Clark, Michaela R. Kaufmann, Dayin Xu, Xikai Sun, John Floresta
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Publication number: 20220216733Abstract: A system and method for providing power to independent movers traveling along a track in a motion control system without requiring a fixed connection between the mover and a power source external to the mover. In one embodiment, a sliding transformer transfers power between the track and each mover. In another embodiment, an optical transmitter transfers power between the track and an optical receiver mounted on each mover. In yet another embodiment, a generator includes a drive wheel engaging the track as each mover travels along the track. A power converter on the mover receives the power generated on and/or transmitted to the mover to control an actuator or a sensor mounted on the mover or to activate drive coils mounted on the mover to interact with magnets mounted along the track and, thereby, control motion of each mover.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2022Publication date: July 7, 2022Inventors: John Floresta, Peter J. Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwei Yao
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Patent number: 11329510Abstract: A system and method for providing power to independent movers traveling along a track in a motion control system without requiring a fixed connection between the mover and a power source external to the mover. In one embodiment, a sliding transformer transfers power between the track and each mover. In another embodiment, an optical transmitter transfers power between the track and an optical receiver mounted on each mover. In yet another embodiment, a generator includes a drive wheel engaging the track as each mover travels along the track. A power converter on the mover receives the power generated on and/or transmitted to the mover to control an actuator or a sensor mounted on the mover or to activate drive coils mounted on the mover to interact with magnets mounted along the track and, thereby, control motion of each mover.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2020Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John Floresta, Peter Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwei Yao
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Patent number: 11309737Abstract: A system and method for providing power to independent movers traveling along a track in a motion control system without requiring a fixed connection between the mover and a power source external to the mover. In one embodiment, a sliding transformer transfers power between the track and each mover. In another embodiment, an optical transmitter transfers power between the track and an optical receiver mounted on each mover. In yet another embodiment, a generator includes a drive wheel engaging the track as each mover travels along the track. A power converter on the mover receives the power generated on and/or transmitted to the mover to control an actuator or a sensor mounted on the mover or to activate drive coils mounted on the mover to interact with magnets mounted along the track and, thereby, control motion of each mover.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2020Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John Floresta, Peter Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwei Yao
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Publication number: 20210384765Abstract: An independent cart system includes an inductive link for contactless power transfer between a track and each mover as the mover travels along the track. A system for contactless data transmission between movers and a controller in the independent cart system includes a transmitter and/or receiver mounted on each mover and a complementary receiver and/or transmitter mounted on a track. The transmitter receives data to be transmitted across the inductive link and modulates a voltage present on either the primary or secondary winding to which it is coupled. The modulated voltage present on one winding induces a corresponding modulation on the voltage present on the other winding. A receiver operatively connected to the other side of the inductive link detects the modulated voltage and decodes the data from the modulated voltage received across the inductive link.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2021Publication date: December 9, 2021Inventors: Jadav Das, Xikai Sun, Shankha S. Seal, Dayin Xu, Tracy M. Clark, John Floresta
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Publication number: 20200244105Abstract: A system and method for providing power to independent movers traveling along a track in a motion control system without requiring a fixed connection between the mover and a power source external to the mover. In one embodiment, a sliding transformer transfers power between the track and each mover. In another embodiment, an optical transmitter transfers power between the track and an optical receiver mounted on each mover. In yet another embodiment, a generator includes a drive wheel engaging the track as each mover travels along the track. A power converter on the mover receives the power generated on and/or transmitted to the mover to control an actuator or a sensor mounted on the mover or to activate drive coils mounted on the mover to interact with magnets mounted along the track and, thereby, control motion of each mover.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2020Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventors: John Floresta, Peter Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwei Yao
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Publication number: 20200195049Abstract: A system and method for providing power to independent movers traveling along a track in a motion control system without requiring a fixed connection between the mover and a power source external to the mover. In one embodiment, a sliding transformer transfers power between the track and each mover. In another embodiment, an optical transmitter transfers power between the track and an optical receiver mounted on each mover. In yet another embodiment, a generator includes a drive wheel engaging the track as each mover travels along the track. A power converter on the mover receives the power generated on and/or transmitted to the mover to control an actuator or a sensor mounted on the mover or to activate drive coils mounted on the mover to interact with magnets mounted along the track and, thereby, control motion of each mover.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2020Publication date: June 18, 2020Inventors: John Floresta, Peter Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwel Yao
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Patent number: 10608469Abstract: A system and method for providing power to independent movers traveling along a track in a motion control system without requiring a fixed connection between the mover and a power source external to the mover. In one embodiment, a sliding transformer transfers power between the track and each mover. In another embodiment, an optical transmitter transfers power between the track and an optical receiver mounted on each mover. In yet another embodiment, a generator includes a drive wheel engaging the track as each mover travels along the track. A power converter on the mover receives the power generated on and/or transmitted to the mover to control an actuator or a sensor mounted on the mover or to activate drive coils mounted on the mover to interact with magnets mounted along the track and, thereby, control motion of each mover.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2017Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John Floresta, Peter Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwei Yao
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Publication number: 20190097466Abstract: A system and method for providing power to independent movers traveling along a track in a motion control system without requiring a fixed connection between the mover and a power source external to the mover. In one embodiment, a sliding transformer transfers power between the track and each mover. In another embodiment, an optical transmitter transfers power between the track and an optical receiver mounted on each mover. In yet another embodiment, a generator includes a drive wheel engaging the track as each mover travels along the track. A power converter on the mover receives the power generated on and/or transmitted to the mover to control an actuator or a sensor mounted on the mover or to activate drive coils mounted on the mover to interact with magnets mounted along the track and, thereby, control motion of each mover.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2017Publication date: March 28, 2019Inventors: John Floresta, Peter Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwei Yao
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Publication number: 20160218608Abstract: A linear controlled motion system includes a track having at least one mover mounted to the track and effective for receiving articles at one location and transporting the articles to another location. The system includes at least one magnetic linear motion motor for providing a magnetic field effective for moving each mover in a controlled motion along the track. To reduce the cogging effect of the magnetic linear motion motor, at least one bridge element is disposed between the teeth of the motor. For example, slots may be formed in the top portions of each tooth, and individual bridge elements may be slid into the slots. The bridge elements may be made of a material having a relatively high magnetic permeability to reduce the cogging effects of the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2015Publication date: July 28, 2016Inventor: John Floresta
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Patent number: 8134435Abstract: Aspects relate to mitigation of a magnetic field produced by one or more units to be shipped such that a magnitude of magnetic field measured is maintained at or below a threshold level. A counter-flux is applied through the use of one or more magnets, magnet arrays, or a geometrical arrangement of magnet arrays. The strength of the counter-flux is varied by altering size, shape, number, polarity and/or location of the one or more magnets or magnet arrays. The one or more magnets or magnet arrays can be constructed as standard assemblies and/or customized magnet assemblies. Additionally, magnet tiles or configurations can provide a return path for stray field leakage and mitigation. Additionally or alternatively, the placement and orientation of the magnets or magnet arrays allows the flux of one or more units to be mitigated, thus, allowing more than one unit to be shipped at the same time.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John Floresta, Nandakumar Thirunarayan, Fred Sommerhalter
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Publication number: 20100079227Abstract: Aspects relate to mitigation of a magnetic field produced by one or more units to be shipped such that a magnitude of magnetic field measured is maintained at or below a threshold level. A counter-flux is applied through the use of one or more magnets, magnet arrays, or a geometrical arrangement of magnet arrays. The strength of the counter-flux is varied by altering size, shape, number, polarity and/or location of the one or more magnets or magnet arrays. The one or more magnets or magnet arrays can be constructed as standard assemblies and/or customized magnet assemblies. Additionally, magnet tiles or configurations can provide a return path for stray field leakage and mitigation. Additionally or alternatively, the placement and orientation of the magnets or magnet arrays allows the flux of one or more units to be mitigated, thus, allowing more than one unit to be shipped at the same time.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2008Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: John Floresta, Nandakumar Thirunarayan, Fred Sommerhalter
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Patent number: 7456593Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for controlling a linear stage a pallet is described herein. In one aspect, a conveyor system includes a conveyor pallet that includes a first mobile magnetic component and a second mobile magnetic component. A first stationary magnetic component can magnetically engage the first mobile magnetic component. A second stationary magnetic component can magnetically engage the second mobile magnetic component. A first controller can activate a first magnetic displacement between the first stationary magnetic component and the first mobile magnetic component when the conveyor pallet is in a first range of positions. A second controller can activate a second magnetic displacement between the second stationary magnetic component and the second mobile magnetic component when the conveyor pallet is in a second range of positions.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2006Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Anorad CorporationInventors: John Floresta, Chris Stollberger, Claude Chirignan, Stephen R. Safranek, Frederick A. Sommerhalter, Jr.